The Napier Regatta.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 925, 12 March 1881, Page 4

The Napier Regatta.

So our boys have been beaten, but although defeated, not disgraced Both in the four-oar and pair-oar race they met with misfortunes which effectually interfered with their chance. As we are anxious to give full inclination, we publish the following telegrams:— The first was received by Mr. H. C. Boylan—* It was a splendid race, the other crews got over half a length at the start. We pulled it up before we reached the bridge, when Carroll carried away his stretcher, and could not use the slide, which enabled the other crews to get away from us. We stuck to it as well as we could, and came in about fourlengths be-, hind, as lively as crickets. We thought of challenging them, but gave up the idea, as we intend going for them another time. The boys will be back on Stinday'. The sea was too rough for the pair-oar race ; we wouldhave been second, but for a boat being in the road.—W. Ratcliffe. From our own correspondent we have received the following ■ ■- There was a bad start, as the cap of the pistol snapped. All the boats started with the exception of Gisborne, although the starter called them back. Gisborne then went after them, a length and a-half behind, and caught them when half-a-mile had been done. At this point Carroll’s strap broke, and in consequence he could not use his slide. The Union and Napier boats then passed them, and as they neared the bridge Gisborne was a length behind. When three-quarters of a mile from home the Union men were forcing the Napier men into the Gisborne boat’s water, and then fouled but got away again quickly. At this stage the Union was still leading, Napier second, and Gisborne pegging away a length behind. 150 yards from the winning post the Napier stroke called on his men, and they came up hose to nose with the Union. Here No. 2 in the latter boat caught a crab, and Napier shot ahead, winning by half a length ; Gisborne two lengths behind. The time was 9mins. 45secs. The betting was 3tol on the Union ; 2 to 1 against Napier; and sto 2 against Gisborne. In the pair-oar race the water was rough, and Napier won. Gisborne was well up, but fouled a boat-line stretched across the river, which put them completely out of the race. They have everyone’s sympathy in their misfortunes. Another correspondent says Carroll broke his strap and stretcher shortly after starting, and this put the Gisborne crew out of it. In the pair-oar the Gisborne men fouled a rope and again lost their chance of winning. They pulled pluckily all through.” From this it will be seen that notwithstanding the short training our crew has had, they have shown the metal they as made of, and we trust that on a future occasion they will again have an opportunity of proving that but for the mishaps mentioned above they could have claimed a victory.